Are you the type of person who likes taking things apart and putting them back together?

Are you adept at fixing mechanical objects?

Are you interested in a steady and
well paying career?

If you said yes to any of these, the
Aviation Maintenance Technology program at
Reedley College can help you
Reach New Heights!

Aircraft Mechanics have the important responsibility of keeping planes operating safely and efficiently. They service, repair, overhaul and test aircraft. At Reedley College you can train as Airframe and Power plant Technicians, often called A & Ps. Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics work on various parts of the aircraft. The airframe includes the wings, fuselage, brakes, tail assembly, and the oil and fuel tanks. The power plant is the engine and the propellers (if used) of the aircraft. Some of the important tasks they may perform include: — Adjust, align, and calibrate aircraft systems using hand tools, gauges and test equipment.

— Examine and inspect engines or other components for cracks, breaks, or leaks.
— Test engine and system operations using test equipment.
— Listen to engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions.
— Use tools such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, and ammeters.
— Take apart and inspect parts for wear, warping, or other defects.
— Maintain aircraft systems by flushing crankcases, cleaning screen, greasing moving parts, and checking brakes.
— Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, structural, parts, and accessories.
— Use hand tools and power tools.
— Remove or install engine using hoist or forklift truck.
— Read, understand, and work from aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications.
— Modify air or spacecraft systems, or components.
— Ride aircraft and make necessary in-flight adjustments and corrections.

Aircraft Body Repairers, also known as Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure Repairers, perform the following tasks:

— Reinstall repaired or replacement parts using riveting or welding tools, clamps, and wrenches.
— Repair, replace and rebuild aircraft structures and sections, such as wings, fuselage, rigging, and hydraulic units.
— Repair or fabricate aircraft sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and
     grinders.
— Trim and shape replace section to specified size and fit.
— Secure section in place using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools.
— Read work orders, blueprints, and specifications.
— Examine sample or damaged part or structure to determine repair or fabrication procedures and steps of      operations.
— Locate and mark dimension and reference lines on defective or replacement part using templates, scribes,      compass and steel rule.
— Remove or cut out defective part or drill holes to gain access to internal defect or damage, using drill and punch.
— Communication with other workers to fit and align heavy parts or discuss processing of repair parts.
— Clean strip, prime, and sand structural surfaces and materials prior to bonding.
— Cure bonded structure, using portable or stationary curing equipment.
— Spread plastic film over area to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding area.

Aircraft Mechanics who work on private planes or for charter airlines usually perform a variety of duties and have more responsibility than mechanics employed by scheduled airlines. Those working for the scheduled airlines most often have specialized work assignments, which tend to be more routine.

Mechanics who have become inspectors are included in the occupation. They inspect aircraft and systems repairs, making sure that work is done according to standards. They also certify craft airworthiness.

Important skills, knowledge and abilities for Aircraft Mechanics include:

— Installation – correctly installing equipment, machines, wiring or programs.
— Equipment Selection – determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
— Repairing – repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
— Problem Identification – identifying the nature of problems.
— Troubleshooting – determining what is causing an operating error and deciding what to do about it.
— Equipment Maintenance – Performing routine maintenance and determining when and what kind of maintenance      is needed.
— Product Inspection – inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.
— Testing – Conducting tests to decide whether the equipment, software, or procedures are working as expected.
— Mathematics – using math to solve problems.
— Manual Dexterity – the ability to quickly make coordinated movements of one hand, a hand together with its arm,      or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
— Arm-Hand Steadiness – the ability to keep the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while      holding the arm and hand in one position

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifies all aircraft mechanics. For an Airframe or Powerplant license, the FAA requires graduation from an FAA-approved school like Reedley College.

Reedley College is an FAA-approved school and has offered Aviation Maintenance Technician courses for more than 50 years. Students can earn an Associate in Science degree or a Certificate. Graduates of our program are prepared to take the FAA exams required for certification. As an added feature, the federally regulated oral, practical and written exams may be taken on-site at Reedley College.

State-of-the-art facilities of our program include a 22,000 square foot laboratory with adjacent classrooms, our own fleet of aircraft and helicopters, and a landing and takeoff access strip for flying aircraft in and out of the facility.

Why pay the high cost of a trade school or private school?
Reedley College can provide the same education at an affordable price. The cost of our 18-month program is approximately $2,450 and includes enrollment fees, a health fee, textbooks, a student body card, and parking fees. All tools and equipment are furnished through the program at no additional cost.

In addition, scholarships, financial aid and Veterans’ benefits are available for students who qualify.

For more information about the Reedley College Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, please contact one of our instructors.